Former N.J. trooper named to Massachusetts commission

The state's attorney general has picked a retired New Jersey State Police administrator with experience investigating Atlantic City casinos for the newly formed Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

GEORGE BRENNAN

The state's attorney general has picked a retired New Jersey State Police administrator with experience investigating Atlantic City casinos for the newly formed Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Attorney General Martha Coakley named Gayle Cameron, a 28-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, as the second member of the commission. That leaves three slots to fill on the five-member commission.

The gaming commission will establish the regulations for the new industry and provide oversight once it is up and running. Cameron joins Stephen Crosby, who was appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick as chairman of the new commission.

Cameron rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in New Jersey, second in command of the state's law enforcement agency, Coakley said. Part of Cameron's responsibilities was to investigate the state's casinos in Atlantic City from the time gambling was established there in the early 1980s, Coakley said.

"We believe that her experience will be critical as we establish this new industry in Massachusetts and her perspective will be critical in making sure we proceed efficiently and effectively here," Coakley said. "(Cameron) comes highly recommended from a number of law enforcement officials from across the country who have worked with her and know her, all of whom spoke highly of her integrity, her leadership, and the high standards that she adheres to in all aspects of her work."

The new job is a homecoming for Cameron, who grew up in Weymouth, graduated from Bridgewater State College and has a home in Plymouth. She was selected from among 10 qualified candidates who applied for the commissioner's job, which pays $112,500 per year, Coakley said.

"I embrace the challenge starting with a clean slate to foster a gaming environment which is secure and robust," Cameron said. "I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to the commission."

One of the things Cameron said she can add to the commission is the lessons learned in New Jersey, including how to communicate between departments and break down the walls between law enforcement agencies.

Under the state legislation that expanded gaming in the state and set up the gaming commission, Coakley was required to appoint someone with law enforcement experience.

Patrick applauded Coakley's choice for the commission and, in a prepared statement, said Cameron has the "skills and experience to ensure expanded gaming is conducted in Massachusetts with the utmost integrity and strong oversight."

Gambling opponents had a different take on the attorney general's pick. Tom Larkin, a member of the board of directors for the group United to Stop Slots, said Cameron's appointment to the gambling commission "is like calling in the police after the predators have made exploitation legal. I would have preferred more pro-activism on the part of the AG while the bill was being debated."

The state legislation requires the commission to be in place by March 21.